“There are always opportunities for growth because there are so many unique perspectives brought to the table. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, there have been moments where my voice was put at the center of a team meeting because it mattered.”
Ren Pelley
HEART Manager and Peer Specialist
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Family Service of Burlington County
The Beginning
A small group of volunteers in Moorestown, New Jersey, created Family Service of Burlington County to provide counseling and emergency intervention to adults, children and families. Working from donated space, volunteers made support available around the clock to people who had nowhere else to turn.
1970s–2011
Building a Network of Care
Expanding to Meet Community Needs
As community needs changed, Family Service continued to grow. By 2011, the organization offered 65 behavioral health programs across nine counties in southern and central New Jersey.
2012
Family Service and Steininger Behavioral Care Services
Becoming Twin Oaks Community Services
Family Service merged with Steininger Behavioral Care Services to form Twin Oaks Community Services.
The new name reflected the strength of the oak tree: deeply rooted in the community, continually growing and reaching outward through many branches of service. Within three years, Twin Oaks expanded to more than 120 programs, including outpatient care, housing, residential programs, food assistance, case management and community-based support.
2015
Twin Oaks and Greater Trenton Behavioral HealthCare
Oaks Integrated Care Is Formed
Twin Oaks Community Services merged with Greater Trenton Behavioral HealthCare to become Oaks Integrated Care.
The merger expanded services in Mercer County and strengthened the organization’s focus on integrated care—supporting the emotional, physical and social needs that contribute to a person’s overall well-being.
2016
Preferred Behavioral Health Group
Strengthening Our Reach
Preferred Behavioral Health Group joined the Oaks family as an affiliate, expanding access to services in Monmouth and Ocean counties while continuing to operate as an independent organization.
2021
COPE Center
Growing in North Jersey
Oaks Integrated Care merged with COPE Center, a behavioral health organization serving Essex County. The partnership expanded Oaks’ reach in North Jersey and brought together two organizations committed to supporting individuals and families facing some of life’s greatest challenges.
2025
Association for Advancement of Mental Health (AAMH)
Expanding Care in Princeton
Oaks Integrated Care merged with the Association for Advancement of Mental Health (AAMH), a Princeton-based behavioral health organization serving the greater Mercer County community. The merger expanded behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and seniors.
Testimonials
Care That Speaks for Itself
Hear from families, professionals, and team members who’ve experienced the Encore Life Care difference firsthand.
The Encore Life Care team was an enormous source of support for our family when our mother began declining at age 75 from the devastating effects of Parkinson’s disease.
Kate Kelliher
Takoma Park, MD
My brother and I couldn’t be more grateful for the compassionate care my father received. Without their guidance, navigating the aging process would have been overwhelming.
Sam S.
NW Washington, DC
My mother needed in-home care and their guidance truly helped us. They listened, offered options and got us through some tough times. I’ll be forever grateful.
Tony Gray
Bethesda, MD
Transitioning to Adulthood: Challenges and Opportunities
March 27, 2024
This year’s National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month theme is “A World of Opportunities” — a time to celebrate people and work together to remove obstacles. … Read more
Silencing the Inner Critic: Strategies for Positive Self-Talk
March 6, 2024
We all have that little voice inside our heads—the one that’s quick to criticize, doubt, and undermine our confidence. This inner critic can be relentless, … Read more
Tackling the Unique Mental Health Challenges of Gen Z
February 27, 2024
Generation Z, those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, face unique mental health challenges growing up in an era of interconnectedness. The complexities of … Read more
The Power of Connection: Building Healthy Relationships for Mental Wellness
February 21, 2024
In today’s digitally driven world and shrinking attention span, it’s easy to lose sight of the profound impact that human connection has on our mental … Read more
Honoring Black Mental Health Trailblazers: Their Legacy and Impact
February 15, 2024
Throughout history, Black individuals have made significant contributions to the field of mental health, challenging stigma, advocating for equitable access to care, and pioneering innovative … Read more
In Loving Memory of Brenda Brown-Goggins
February 12, 2024
Last week, Oaks Integrated Care suffered an unimaginable loss with the unexpected passing of Brenda Brown-Goggins, Chief of Quality and Healthcare Integration. Brenda served Oaks … Read more
Three Steps to Help Prevent Suicide
February 6, 2024
We can all save lives. Suicide prevention is a critical issue that requires a proactive and compassionate approach. As an organization committed to mental health … Read more
Montclair Township and Local Organizations Awarded Grants
February 6, 2024
Feb. 6, 2024 | TAPinto Montclair (MONTCLAIR, NJ) – Montclair Township and several other local community organizations are set to receive federal funding as part of … Read more
How to Recognize the Signs of a Substance Use Disorder
January 29, 2024
Substance use disorders (SUDs) can affect individuals from all walks of life, and recognizing the signs is crucial for early intervention and support. Let’s explore … Read more
New Jersey Enhancing Emergency Services Programs for Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities
January 21, 2024
Jan. 4, 2024 | NJ Insider (TRENTON) – New Jersey Human Services is enhancing the statewide emergency services programs that support adults with intellectual and developmental … Read more
Behind the Smile–The Struggles of High-Functioning Anxiety
January 21, 2024
Smiles can be deceiving. Behind a calm exterior, exciting social media feed, and the seemingly have-it-all-going-for-them exterior, these individuals might be grappling with high-functioning anxiety. … Read more
Navigating Holiday Festivities with Substance Use Challenges
December 7, 2023
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness for many. However, for individuals living with substance use disorder (SUD), this time of … Read more
How to Know When It’s Time to Seek Mental Health Support
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How to Know When It’s Time to Seek Mental Health Support
Oaks Blog Home Page
How to Know When It’s Time to Seek Mental Health Support
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